# part

/ˈpɑɹt/ (US) · /pˈɑːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/part
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a piece of a whole

noun · CEFR A1

one of the pieces that makes up a whole object or group.

For teachers: an individual constituent or component that belongs to a larger entity.

- The mechanic had to order a new part for the car's engine.
- Each mechanical part must be machined to precise tolerances to ensure the assembly functions without friction.

### 2. a role or character

noun · CEFR A2

a character played by an actor in a movie or play.

For teachers: the character assigned to an actor in a dramatic production.

- She was thrilled to get the lead part in the school play.
- The actor spent months researching the historical figure to bring depth to his part in the upcoming biopic.

### 3. duty or involvement

noun · CEFR B1

your share of work or responsibility in an activity.

For teachers: the expected duty, responsibility, or contribution of an individual within a collective effort.

- Everyone must do their part to keep the park clean.
- While the marketing team led the campaign, the legal department played a crucial part in ensuring regulatory compliance.

### 4. hair line

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

the line on your head where you brush your hair in different directions.

For teachers: the line of scalp visible when hair is combed in opposite directions.

- He changed his part from the left side to the middle.
- The stylist suggested a jagged part to give the hair more volume and a modern edge.

Usage: In British English, this is usually called a 'parting'.

### 5. musical line

noun · CEFR B2

the music played by one specific instrument or voice in a group.

For teachers: the melody or harmony assigned to a specific instrument or voice within a musical score.

- The flute part is quite difficult in the second movement.
- The conductor asked the cello section to play their part with more vibrato during the bridge.

### 6. to separate

verb · CEFR B1

to move two things away from each other.

For teachers: to move things or people away from one another; to create a space between.

- The crowd parted to let the ambulance drive through.
- The heavy velvet curtains parted slowly to reveal a minimalist stage design.

### 7. to say goodbye

verb · CEFR B2 · Literary

to leave someone after being with them.

For teachers: to leave someone's company, often after a significant period or with emotional weight.

- They parted as friends after a long afternoon of talking.
- It was difficult for the old friends to part after so many years of working together in the same office.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'from' or 'with'.

### 8. partial

adjective · CEFR B2

describing only a piece of something, not the whole thing.

For teachers: constituting only a portion of a whole; incomplete.

- He is a part owner of the local bookstore.
- The project was a part success, meeting its technical goals but failing to stay within the original budget.

### 9. partially

adverb · CEFR B1

to some degree, but not completely.

For teachers: to a certain extent; in some degree.

- The house was part finished when they moved in.
- The sculpture was part stone and part metal, creating a striking contrast of textures.

## Examples

- I only read the first part of the book.
- The mechanic ordered a new part for the engine because the old one was broken.
- While the opening part of the symphony is quite slow, the final movement features a rapid tempo that challenges even the most experienced musicians.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.